After signing from Chicago Fire as a relatively unknown commodity in Europe, Jhon Duran has quickly become a household name during his time at Aston Villa.
Duran has been labelled a “top finisher” and as he has continued to impress, the 21-year-old has managed to gain Unai Emery’s trust as both a starter and an impact substitute.
Aston Villa can pat themselves on the back for spotting the Colombian’s incredible talent as they have one of the best young strikers in the world.
TBR Football revealed Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in signing Duran as they were open to a swap deal that involved Randal Kolo Muani, who could join Juventus on a loan deal imminently.
West Ham’s £30 million bid for Duran was rebuffed by Aston Villa, as TBR Football previously confirmed as well.
Jhon Duran has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season — who has scored 12 goals in just seven starts across all competitions — justifying all the interest in his signature.
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Manchester City FC at…
Aston Villa set £85 million asking price for Jhon Duran transfer
The youngster has even stepped up on the biggest stages for Villa this campaign.
Three out of the Medellin-born marksman’s 12 goals this season have come in the Champions League, with crucial strikes against Bayern Munich, Bologna and RB Leipzig.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that while Unai Emery’s side have no interest in selling Duran this month, the only fee that would change their mind is a whopping £85 million.
“According to my Aston Villa sources and some will always say there’s an asking price and I can tell you that if they were to change their mind, Aston Villa, they would want £85 million in January.”
“The interest is firm from PSG in particular, so that’s one to keep an eye on. Chelsea have not reignited anything as far as January is concerned but PSG would like to sign Jhon Duran and ideally, right now along with [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia who is going to join for sure.”
Jacobs also confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain enquired about signing Duran but their approach was rebuffed as he was not considered for sale.
“But PSG have made an enquiry about Jhon Duran and they’ve been told not for sale and my sources have added the only way that Villa will change their mind if PSG or any other club drop £85 million.”
West Ham continue to admire Duran but so far, the likeliest scenario looks like he will stay at Villa Park unless a club decides an £85 million fee is worth the price to secure his services.
Duran’s talent has garnered praise as he seems to have all the necessary attributes to become a top-class centre-forward one day and it seems like his suitors are well aware of his tremendous potential.
Luis Diaz knew Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran was special from day one
Luis Diaz raved about Duran’s potential, reflecting on how he felt his countryman was a special talent from the first time I saw him play.
“From day one that I met him, that I dealt with him and that I saw him play, I already knew the conditions and qualities he had.”
Diaz feels that if Duran sets his mind to becoming a world-class player, he can become an absolute superstar.
“First, I said this boy, if he sets his mind to it, he can become very big, he can make history in the role he has, he can be the best striker. It’s good that he’s living a great moment, that he’s doing well, that he’s shining in a super spectacular league.
“I’m very happy for him, we shared a lot in the national team, he’s a very calm boy, he lets himself go, if he has to listen, he does it too.
The Liverpool winger concluded: “He’s in the process of continuing to learn like every boy, so he’ll continue to improve in what is left of his career and he’ll continue to score goals.”
With Aston Villa placed in seventh place in the Premier League, their sights will be set on qualifying for the Champions League at the end of the season.
Duran, who Ally McCoist lauded will be crucial for Villa if they intend to achieve this goal and losing him for any fee could be too huge a risk when it comes to the context of their ongoing campaign.
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